Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Gooch & Housego

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Join G&H, a global leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing with a 75-year heritage, as a Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader in our Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team. Located in Torquay, UK, you will be part of the vibrant Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, contributing to the development of advanced fibre-optic sub-systems from concept to early-stage production. Current projects focus on high-power fibre-optic amplifier sub-systems for applications in free-space optical communications, aerospace & defence, and remote sensing, typically operating across TRL3 to TRL7. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead technical development, manage a small team, and remain hands-on with design, prototyping, testing, and customer engagement. It is ideal for individuals who thrive on variety, complexity, and innovation.

Requirements

Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with an optics, photonics or fibre-optics focus
Current or recent experience in the optics/photonics industry
Commercial experience developing fibre-optic or laser products
Strong knowledge of optical amplifiers (ideally high-power), fibre-optics and photonics
Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components, systems or opto-electronic modules
Team leadership or project management experience
Ability to generate proposals and manage both technical and financial aspects of development projects
Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting to customers and stakeholders
All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed.
Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.

Responsibilities

Providing technical leadership in the design and development of fibre-optic sub-systems, including high-power optical amplifiers
Leading and managing small project teams to deliver on time and within budget
Working closely with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment
Taking an active role in prototype build and assembly, including fibre-optic splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly and opto-electronic testing
Developing and executing test plans for functional and environmental verification
Engaging directly with customers—negotiating specifications, presenting results and shaping technical direction
Building strong internal networks across G&H’s global technical and commercial teams
Delivering technical reviews and producing clear, concise management reports